FALMOUTH, MA — Most people think about a golf scholarship in the traditional way: Join your high school team, play in some tournaments and perform well enough to get noticed by high-level coaches.
But what about the students helping amateurs and hopeful professionals figure out how to maneuver the course?
Three Falmouth high school students and Sacconnesset Golf Club caddies have received their own unique golf scholarship thanks to the Ouimet Evans Scholarship.
Laila Baptiste of North Falmouth, Hayden Cusolito and Christian Sullivan, both of East Falmouth, are the Cape Cod recipients of the scholarship. A fourth Massachusetts local, Khruanha Naiyanan, of Ludlow, also received the scholarship.
Baptiste and Cusolito plan to study business in college while Sullivan plans to pursue a major in engineering.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund and the Evans Scholars Foundation annually co-sponsor the scholarships for caddies from Massachusetts.
They are awarded to applicants who meet the criteria of both organizations and demonstrate a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character, according to officials.
The scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years.
Currently, a record 1,130 caddies are enrolled at 24 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars and more than 12,040 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.
Each of the three Cape Cod students shared their unique perspective about what caddying has given to them. Here’s what they had to say:
Laila Baptiste, Sturgis Charter Public School West
“The decision to become a caddie at the Sacconnesset Golf Club marked a turning point in my life,” she said. “With each loop, I dove headfirst into the world of golf, absorbing knowledge and skills. Beyond golf, I realized that my role as a caddie held a deeper significance. It was an avenue for me to demonstrate my unwavering dedication to my education and personal growth.”
Hayden Cusolito, Falmouth High School
“Throughout my three years of caddying, I have talked to cancer survivors, an African diamond mine owner, and a 13-year-old European Golf champion, just to name a few,” he says. “I have learned that no matter where I go in life, if I stay persistent and work hard, I will be successful. The stories of all the people I meet, who have all done very well for themselves, show that there is no cookie cutter path in life, and we must make the most of the situation we find ourselves in.”
Christian Sullivan, Falmouth High School
“I have learned invaluable life lessons through my interactions as a caddie. Over the years, the golfers have been generous, not only with their praise and tips, but more importantly, generous with their time and advice. Though I am their caddie, at some point during every round, it’s as if the roles become reversed, and the golfer acts as my caddie in the game of life.”
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